If you are indeed replacing your hot tub cover, keep in mind that spa covers come both flat and tapered. Nearly all outdoor spas are covered with a spa cover that tapers, so the rain and snow water will run off. Hot tub covers that taper are typically made with a two-inch drop from the center of the spa cover, at the fold, to the edge of the lid. Spa covers also come in varying thicknesses, but all will typically have the two inches of taper to the edge. Typical cover thicknesses are 6" tapering to 4", 5" tapering to 3" and 4" tapering to 2". The thickness of a hot tub cover is the key factor in the amount the cover will insulate and reduce your spa's heating bill. It is also a key factor in the strength to bear a load.

For indoor hot tub covers, or for spas that are outdoors but are protected from the elements by a gazebo or roof, a non-tapering or flat cover should strongly be considered. Lets look at an example. If a lid tapers from four inches to two inches, the average thickness is three inches BUT more heat will be lost from the spa in the areas that are two inches thick than the average thickness would indicate. A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link and the two inch thick areas of the cover are going to allow unnecessary heat loss from the spa. Comparing this with a four inch thick, flat cover, where the average thickness is four inches, it is obvious that the flat cover will insulate much, much better. The flat lid will also provide more strength at the edge, where it will be twice as thick as the tapering lid.

Hot tub covers are designed to function as a whole, with every element having importance. Keep in mind these important facts regarding the cover thickness when considering the purchase of your next spa cover. Spa covers have a life expectancy of 4 to 10 years. Yes, replacing the spa cover is a part of the ownership of your spa. With this information in mind, put your mind at ease when considering the purchase of your next hot tub cover.

If the time has come for replacing your hot tub cover, keep in mind you will most likely need to provide the dimensions to the spa cover manufacturer. This brief article will explain the options and remove the fear from the process. A reputable spa cover seller will save your dimensions for you so your next order can be done with no measuring at all! The first decision to make is on whether to measure the spa cover being replaced or to measure the tub itself. A basic rule of thumb is, if you like the fit of the spa cover being replaced, measure it and ignore measuring the tub itself.

Spa covers are designed to function as a whole, with every element having importance. Keep in mind these important facts regarding the vapor barrier when considering the purchase of your next hot tub cover.